On June 16, 2025, Pastor Elijah Oludele Abina, the General Overseer of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), celebrated his 90th birthday. In a heartfelt conversation with PUNCH Online, the revered cleric reflected on his early years, his spiritual calling, the trials of ministry, and his enduring passion for soul-winning.
Born in Aradagun, a quiet village near Badagry, Lagos State, Pastor Abina’s roots trace back to a lineage of humble blacksmiths. His grandfather was an Egun man from Ajido who forged hoes and cutlasses for a living. Raised in a family of six children, he is now the only surviving sibling. Life was hard, and money was scarce, but his faith and resilience paved the way for a remarkable life of impact.
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Life Before the Pulpit
In the 1950s, young Elijah was known not for preaching but for dancing. He led a musical group called the Rising Star Orchestra in Iwaya, Lagos. But after a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ, everything changed.
“The secret to my strength at 90 is the Lord Jesus Christ,” he declared. “He changed me from the inside out.”
Since his conversion, Pastor Abina has lived a life of strict discipline, physically and spiritually. “I watch what I eat. I exercise. I don’t just eat anything,” he said. At one point, he even bought a treadmill to stay fit. Today, he simply walks, making sure he maintains his health for the work that still lies ahead.
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Called on Independence Day
He received the call into full-time ministry in September 1962 and began on October 1st, intentionally choosing the same date as Nigeria’s independence to symbolize spiritual freedom. “People saw pastors as poor and irrelevant in those days. But God gave me the boldness to obey the call.”
It wasn’t a smooth ride. “The ministry is not bread and butter,” he said. “There were hardships and also joy. But God has always been with me.”
In January 1988, after the passing of GOFAMINT’s founder Pastor R. A. George, Pastor Abina became the second General Overseer. With that came a host of leadership challenges, persecutions, and personal losses. Yet, he pressed on.
“There were things I faced that I cannot even say openly. But God gave me people who believed in the calling and stood with me,” he said.
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A Global Vision for the Gospel
Today, GOFAMINT has churches in five continents and is set to plant branches in South America, the last continent on his mission map. “I want to see churches in all six continents during my lifetime,” he affirmed.
For him, ministry is not about titles or fame. “Jesus did not come to start a religion. Christianity is Christ-likeness. If you say you are a Christian, you are saying you are like Jesus—and that is not automatic; it is a journey.”
He also warned about modern distractions in the faith community. “We didn’t pray for money when we got saved. But today, people pursue money more than mission. Still, we now understand that money is needed to advance the gospel.”
Grief, Grace, and Gratitude
In recent years, Pastor Elijah Abina endured tremendous personal loss. His first daughter-in-law died in 2020. Nine months later, her husband, his first son, also passed away. His wife and younger brother died soon after.
Yet, he remains undeterred. “God is sustaining me,” he said. “I’m not satisfied yet. I still want to see souls saved. That is my joy.”
Praying for Nigeria
Though he avoids political endorsements, Pastor Abina remains deeply prayerful for Nigeria’s leadership. “The Bible says to pray for leaders — whether they are doing well or not. Because the peace of the country affects everyone.”
He encourages members of GOFAMINT to participate in elections but never imposes political preferences. “I belong to no party. My allegiance is to God.”
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
At 90, Pastor Elijah Abina is not resting on his achievements. He remains active, committed, and visionary. From the dusty streets of Aradagun to GOFAMINT churches across the globe, his life is a testament to what God can do with a surrendered heart.
“I feel fulfilled. But I’m not satisfied. There is still more to do,” he concluded, eyes still fixed on the mission field.
Picture Credit: The Gospel Faith Mission International Facebook Page
1 Comment
Daddy Abina, is a Pastor of Pastor’s. A father and one who has sacrificed many comfort and pleasure for the Gospel of Jesus.